Queen Elizabeth II is fondly remembered as being the longest-reigning British monarch, and in those 70 years, she was also known for her iconic fashion.
Britain’s longest-serving monarch would later influence the next generation of royal women, Princess Kate and Meghan Markle.
In her later years, Her Majesty had a very particular way of dressing, which most people would instantly recognise. Queen Elizabeth always wore bright dress coats of every colour of the rainbow in so that members of the public could spot her during big royal events.
In the documentary ‘The Queen at 90’, Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, explained: “She needs to stand out for people to be able to say ‘I saw the Queen, Don’t forget that when she turns up somewhere, the crowds are two, three, four, ten, 15 deep, and someone wants to be able to say they saw a bit of the Queen’s hat as she went past.”
However, Queen Elizabeth’s ability to communicate through her clothing has been a big influence on her grandaughters-in-law, Kate and Meghan, and also made her an “unmistakable fashion icon in her own time”, according to one fashion expert.
Miranda Holder, who is a celebrity stylist who has become extremely popular online for her ability to explain the details of royal fashion, has explained why Queen Elizabeth’s fashion in later Elizabeth was her “most notable and iconic.”
In an interview with the Express, Miranda said: “The latter ensembles of bright, colourful monochrome, complete with matching hat, umbrella and coordinating shoes and Launer handbag.
“She showed the rest of the firm how to embrace diplomatic dressing, wearing outfits to make others around her feel comfortable and acknowledged, and adding precious jewellery full of symbolism, setting the standard in the art of communicating through clothing.”
Miranda also pointed out that both Kate and Meghan were highly influenced by Queen Elizabeth, and often copied her bright and colourful style.
She said: “Both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle learned a lot from Her Majesty, taking many style cues from the Queen as they navigated the tricky Royal dress code,
“Both younger Royals have adopted the visually striking monochrome look on numerous occasions, realising that head-to-toe single-block colour makes a striking look which is not only flattering but can be easily spotted in a crowd.”
Miranda said that both Kate and Meghan have often paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth on Commonwealth Day, and have worn very similar outfits previously worn by Her Majesty.
She said: “There have been several occasions when both Kate and Meghan have paid homage to the Queen by almost wearing a carbon copy of a previous look; Kate’s Royal Blue coat dress by Catherine Walker which she wore to the Commonwealth Service was remarkably similar to the ensemble her majesty wore to the Princes Trust centre in 2016
“Equally, Meghan has been spotted in an emerald green ensemble, also to the Commonwealth Service, which looked identical to a look worn by her Majesty in 1980.”
Queen Elizabeth was rarely seen in print dresses, but the iconic yellow polka-dot dress she wore on a state visit to Mexico in 1975 has often been cited as a favourite look for the royal. It appears to have had a big influence on Kate, who is now known for her brightly coloured polka dot dresses.
During her time as a senior royal, Meghan often was seen in neutral colours but was often seen wearing a beige Burberry Trench coat at royal engagements, and this classic coat brand was a well-known favourite of Queen Elizabeth.
Miranda said: “There are even parallels between Kate’s love of polka dots, a print previously loved by the Queen before she opted for block colour and both Queen Elizabeth and Meghan are firm fans of the Burberry Trench coat.”
